Today, we have lost the depth of stories and rituals. We do things without understanding of why and so many things are instant and shallow.
With that, sex has been reduced to a basic, animalistic instinct, marriage is archaic and 'till death do us part becomes 'till I don't "love" you anymore (or someone else comes along).
I want to show you a different way. One of depth and richness. One full of symbolism and layers. One that truly comes alive. The Jewish culture gets this. Here is their way (and something we could learn greatly from):
(Side note: This is not exhaustive of the practice, just an overview)
With that, sex has been reduced to a basic, animalistic instinct, marriage is archaic and 'till death do us part becomes 'till I don't "love" you anymore (or someone else comes along).
I want to show you a different way. One of depth and richness. One full of symbolism and layers. One that truly comes alive. The Jewish culture gets this. Here is their way (and something we could learn greatly from):
(Side note: This is not exhaustive of the practice, just an overview)
Imagine you were back in ancient Israel. There was a young Jewish man that became of the age to be married. In that day, marriages were arranged; so the father of the groom sent one of his most trusted servants out to look for the right young bride for his son. One day the servant came back with just the right young lady in mind. At once the father of the groom went to meet with the father of the potential bride. There were intense, long discussions and negotiations. Finally, (after the father of the groom was assured she was a virgin) a price was determined for the bride-to-be. The price was steep. The price usually determined was comparable to a new house price for us today. ($200,000) A high price was customary as the father of the bride was losing a worker and the father of the groom wanted to show how much they valued the young lady. Once this was agreed upon, the young man and woman were considered"betrothed". Both parties would share a cup of wine to seal the covenant. This was as good as married with a covenant sealed relationship minus the physical consummation.
The groom would then go away in order to add a room to his father’s house. It usually took a year or two, but the actual time was determined by the father. During this time, the bride would prepare herself, waiting for her groom to come with great anticipation working on her wedding gown. It was when the father said that things were ready when the groom would surprise his bride and bring her back with a great processional. This was usually done late at night and the silence of slumber was broken by the sound of the shofar. Great joy, shouting and dancing would fill the streets.
The bride and groom would then be escorted to their bridal chamber (or addition that was built) for around 7 days to physically consummate their marriage. Two witnesses were standing guard outside until the time period was over and a great celebration and feast ensued.
I don't know about you, but to me this is beautiful. It is rich. It has meaning and depth. There is symbolism for our relationship with Christ spread all through out this ceremony.
This is done ON PURPOSE. With intentionality. Everything had meaning.
After all. Two become one. This was more than two people tying the knot.
THIS IS SPIRITUAL. MARRIAGE IS SPIRITUAL.
It is not two humans deciding they like someone and want to "give it a go". It is two people uniting as one, sacrificing for each other with Christ at the center. And realizing the burden and exciting privilege of being the closest reflection on earth of Christ's love for us, his bride.
There is a covenant that is made between two people and God. Between two fathers, and a blood covenant in the bridal chamber. One that binds the two and cannot be separated. Two become one.
There is a big deal of the consummation of the marriage by physical intercourse. It is set apart. Waited for. Given time for enjoyment and meaning. Virginity is sacrificed, blood is shed, a covenant is sealed.
True joy is known.
DO YOU SEE THIS!? This is POWERFUL!! LIFE CHANGING!! And I'm not done.
Tomorrow, I want to talk more about this blood covenant in the consummation of marriage. This "seals" the deal ;-)
You don't want to miss this.
The groom would then go away in order to add a room to his father’s house. It usually took a year or two, but the actual time was determined by the father. During this time, the bride would prepare herself, waiting for her groom to come with great anticipation working on her wedding gown. It was when the father said that things were ready when the groom would surprise his bride and bring her back with a great processional. This was usually done late at night and the silence of slumber was broken by the sound of the shofar. Great joy, shouting and dancing would fill the streets.
The bride and groom would then be escorted to their bridal chamber (or addition that was built) for around 7 days to physically consummate their marriage. Two witnesses were standing guard outside until the time period was over and a great celebration and feast ensued.
I don't know about you, but to me this is beautiful. It is rich. It has meaning and depth. There is symbolism for our relationship with Christ spread all through out this ceremony.
This is done ON PURPOSE. With intentionality. Everything had meaning.
After all. Two become one. This was more than two people tying the knot.
THIS IS SPIRITUAL. MARRIAGE IS SPIRITUAL.
It is not two humans deciding they like someone and want to "give it a go". It is two people uniting as one, sacrificing for each other with Christ at the center. And realizing the burden and exciting privilege of being the closest reflection on earth of Christ's love for us, his bride.
There is a covenant that is made between two people and God. Between two fathers, and a blood covenant in the bridal chamber. One that binds the two and cannot be separated. Two become one.
There is a big deal of the consummation of the marriage by physical intercourse. It is set apart. Waited for. Given time for enjoyment and meaning. Virginity is sacrificed, blood is shed, a covenant is sealed.
True joy is known.
DO YOU SEE THIS!? This is POWERFUL!! LIFE CHANGING!! And I'm not done.
Tomorrow, I want to talk more about this blood covenant in the consummation of marriage. This "seals" the deal ;-)
You don't want to miss this.
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